But in a message posted to Instagram, Sanchez made it clear he was leaving for one reason: trophies.

The 29-year-old mentioned Thierry Henry in his message, the Frenchman famously leaving because he was unhappy at the club's inability to challenge.

He wrote: "I want to say thanks to the technical staff, to the medical team and all team-mates with whom I shared many nice things for the club and especially those people who do not see themselves on the covers, but without them nothing would be possible, which are there to prepare food for us and take care of us day by day, those who keep our shoes clean and the grass in the best conditions.

"Many thanks to you for helping us to improve every day. Thank you very much."